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NAVSTA Everett - People driving on to Naval Station Everett the evening of Aug. 2 were welcomed by the overwhelming smell of barbecue. The sounds of the music and the chatter and laughter from the crowd can be heard as one walked toward the baseball fields outside the Commons.

NAVSTA Everett held a barbecue for Sailors from USS Kidd (DDG 100), local Sea Cadets, and anyone on base who wanted to join.

The Kidd pulled into NAVSTA Everett Aug. 2. They picked up Sea Cadets, Boy Scouts, and other VIPs for a trip to Seattle Aug. 3. They will be arriving in Seattle as part of Seafair’s Fleet Week Aug. 4-8.

The Sailors got the opportunity to relax in Everett before making the trip to Seattle.

“It is the fleet week picnic,” said Julie Hollatz, Liberty Recreation Assistant. “This is an annual thing we do for the ships that come in for Sea Fair.”

At the barbecue they enjoyed free food, music and games. There were a few inflatable games including a Velcro wall, sports setup, and bouncy jousting. Sailors even enjoyed playing volleyball.

“At first I didn’t know what to expect,” said Engineman 3rd Class Marvin Heinandez, USS Kidd (DDG 100). “But once you get out it’s actually really fun.”

The event gave everyone a chance to have a good time but it also provided an opportunity for the young Sea Cadets to talk to Sailors from the Kidd about life in the Navy.

“It’s a great time,” said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Rick Hinkson, USS Kidd (DDG 100). “We’re having some free barbecue and educating some cadets.”

The annual event was sponsored this year by the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula, Lake Washington, and Everett Navy League councils.